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You do get what you pay for, however; the Galaxy Gear is the Swiss Army Knife of smartwatches, thesmart watch with the kitchen sink. All of the unlikely features that were rumoured before launch — the speakers, the camera built into the strap — have come true.

You can speak to the device — to record a memo, perhaps, or perform a voice command — though expect to feel self-conscious about whispering to your wrist. There are the requisite sensors — the gyroscopes and pedometers and accelerometers — that will endear the Galaxy Gear to a more active crowd. And though the Galaxy Gear isn’t huge, it isn’t exactly svelte either and may make it difficult to get a date.

“I believe it will become a new fashion icon throughout the world,” said JK Shin, president and chief executive of Samsung’s mobile communications division, on-stage at the IFA electronics show in Berlin on Wednesday, where the Galaxy Gear was unveiled.

Samsung claims the non-removable 315 mAh battery will provide enough power for a day of regular use.

The device is particularly aware of its proximity to a companion Samsung device. A feature called Auto Lock ensures the screen of paired smartphone or tablet remains locked when placed more than 1.5 metres away. Another feature, called Smart Relay, will display a notification on the smart watch, and show an expanded version of that notification on the user’s phone or tablet if they decide it warrants immediate attention.

There is, however, no word on compatibility with other devices, including non-Samsung smartphones and tablets, most notably Apple Inc.’s iPhone.

Samsung is hardly the first to tackle the smartwatch market head on. Pebble, one of the more successful smartwatches released so far, launched earlier this year for US$150. Sony Corp. introduced a less powerful, less-featured device at IFA — the second generation of smart watch it first unveiled last year.

And while such devices have primarily focused on funnelling alerts, messages and reminders to a users’ wrist, Samsung believes it can pull ahead of the pack with a healthy complement of apps.

Over 70 third-party apps will be available on the device, from fitness apps RunKeeper and MyFitnessPal to social apps Snapchat and Path. It’s a surprising — perhaps, encouraging — show of support for what isn’t just a brand new device, but a whole new product category, and an early sign that this smart watch trend may yet have some legs.

But will users be ready? If you’ll pardon the pun, Samsung is betting that it’s finally time.

The Samsung Galaxy Gear will be available in 149 countries beginning Sept. 25, worldwide as of October, and sold in six colours at launch, including jet black, mocha grey, wild orange, oatmeal beige, rose gold, and lime green.